Gorilla Trekking and Luxury Safaris

Impeccably placed for tracking the wild gentle giants of the Bwindi and inconceivably sophisticated for its remote location, the Sanctuary Gorillas Forest Camp combines a very special jungle atmosphere with one of the most magical wildlife experiences there is. Sitting aloft one of the high flat ridges of this, the UNESCO-protected Bwindi Forest, this simple but explorer-chic lodge has eight tented, standalone rooms built on wooden decking and en suite bathrooms furnished with the likes of bathtubs from where you can look out into the forest as you soak. The outdoor campfire area is where some of your meals to swapping stories take place, and there’s a communal cottage with a bar and restaurant for eating and relaxing in with the other guests on cooler nights. However it’s the daily activities here at the camp that are the real star of the show, from community walks to meet local tea-pickers or the shaman of the Batwa pymgy tribe, to guided forest walks to spot the park’s captivating flora and fauna. But most come to track the magnificent gorillas of Bwindi with expert guides traversing the thick foliaged slopes happening upon family groups grazing. Gorilla tracking is all year round and is always with a group of no more than 8 people at a time.

Sitting atop a 2,300-metre hilltop with panoramas of the ‘twin lakes’ of Ruhondo and Bulera and the string of Virunga volcanoes laid out in front of you, this eco-lodge and its scenes truly sum up the magic of central Africa. Eight ‘naturally’ stylish banda cottages (4 double, 4 twin) are set out in this property’s beautiful terraced gardens, affording each a share of the superb views and a good helping of privacy too. En suite bathrooms and running solar hot water allow you to enjoy luxurious comfort with always a minimal environmental impact too. Paved pathways converge on the property’s main lodge for dining, massages, the curio shop, bar and lounge, and all with stunning views. Apart from the truly personable level of luxury and staff hospitality here at Virunga the lodge also excels in a wonderfully diverse and extensive menu of daily activities and local cultural excursions.

Sitting high on a ridge top with views across Uganda and to the forested Virunga Mountains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,  Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is aptly named. The main lodge building is bright and airy, with a huge lounge, bar, candlelit dining area and terrace from which to enjoy the vista at breakfast or at night when the orange glow of Mount Nyiragongo’s lava lake can be seen on the horizon. Eight stone cottages are found a little down the slope, each homely with warming fireplaces, huge windows and large bathrooms, Two of these have two-bedrooms with a small living area in between.   The border of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is on the opposite slope of the ridge, meaning you can meet your guide and walk straight into the park to meet the gorillas. You can also go on a guided walk of the local village, visiting projects and the school which the lodge supports, getting an insight of what its like living next to the forest and its ape inhabitants.

Located on the misty green slopes of a valley close to the Buhoma gate of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Bwindi Lodge is perfectly located to track the forest’s famous inhabitants and experience the local community. There are eight stone and timber, glass-fronted guest bandas with thatched roofs strewn down the slope. Each has been hand crafted and enjoys wonderful views out to the forests on the other side of the valley from their private verandahs. Locals till the volcanic soil in the hills up to the primeval forest’s edge, where wildlife including chimpanzees, mountain gorillas and monkeys jumping from tree to tree can sometimes been seen from the lodge. The main activity here is gorilla trekking into the national park. There are also numerous hikes and trails to sights such as waterfalls and tea plantations, and the chance to meet the locals on community tours. After a day in the forest, return to the lodge for complimentary massage, a drink by the bar’s fire and a dinner out on the terrace.

Seated in the foothills of the Virunga mountains there are three things to look forward to when staying at the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: breath-taking views from every angle, warm and helpful staff, and seeing the captivating mountain gorillas in their wild natural habitat on your daily treks. The eight spacious standalone cottages are decorated in a homely style and their seclusion really adds to the ample and individual privacy here. On the other hand the big fireplaces, appealing lounges, library, dining area and curio shop of the main lodge give the whole property a warm and convivial personality, and where guests can relax and talk excitedly over the exploits of their day. Again, the staff do their utmost to assist you in whatever way they can and the food served at Sabyinyo is delicious and surprisingly elegant for its far-flung setting. On the whole Sabyinyo is a fantastically sophisticated and friendly base to explore this very poignant part of Africa.

Once home to the American conservationist Jack Hanna, this private guesthouse was recently refurbished to provide smart, modern accommodation right in the heart of the Volcanoes National Park. The house is located within the ground of another currently closed property, Gorilla Nest Lodge, commanding views of the nearby nine-hole golf course and the towering volcanoes beyond. With its own private garden as well, you’ll feel connected with the surrounding landscape. Jack Hanna’s consists of the main house and 2 ensuite bedrooms, comfortably sleeping four adults or a small family. Constructed of local stone, with a spacious lounge and enormous fireplace, dining area and inviting living room, the house is kitted out with a blend of modern and antique furnishings and international artwork. Bedrooms include double beds, ensuite bathroom, a seating area and access to the veranda and private garden; a relaxing spot to spend your evening enjoying sundowners in front of the mighty volcanoes.